Evra grabs Suarez’s arm after his attempt to shake the striker’s hand was refused
Sir Alex Ferguson called Luis Suarez a “disgrace” for refusing to shake Patrice Evra’s hand before Manchester United’s ill-tempered 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford on Saturday.
“Suarez is a disgrace to Liverpool Football Club,” said United manager Ferguson. “He should not be allowed to play for Liverpool again. He could have caused a riot.”
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish said in an interview: “I think you’re bang out of order to blame Luis Suarez for anything that happened here today.”
As well as the handshake controversy, the two sets of players reportedly clashed in the tunnel at half-time before Liverpool players reacted angrily to Evra’s celebrations at the full-time whistle.
Wayne Rooney scored twice early in the second half before Suarez, who was banned for eight matches after racially abusing Evra when the sides met in October, netted a consolation in the 80th minute.
It was the first time the two sides have met since Suarez completed his suspension.
And, in a post on Twitter, the striker said: “We lost and we are sad because we have made a big effort… Disappointed because everything is not what it seems…”
Dalglish, who did not attend his traditional post-match press conference with the written media, told Sky Sports he did not see Suarez refuse to shake hands with Evra and does not blame the Uruguayan for the bad blood that marred the contest.
“I never knew Suarez refused to shake Evra’s hand,” Dalglish said.
“I wasn’t there, I never saw it. It’s contrary to what I’ve been told.”
As is customary for him, Ferguson did not attend a post-match press conference either but told television interviewers he had a different point of view and believes the racism issue is one which needs to be addressed.
